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Saturday 14thSeptember 2013 played host to the second black belt testing of Region 1’s year, many students hoping to graduate from Kup to Degree; some students looking to progress to the rank of expertise. Participants arrived early in order to mentally prepare as well as warm up for a tough and thorough examination.

Grading headed up by UKITF Executive Director Master Nicholls assisted by UKITF technical chair Mr Hollingsworth; began with standard ITF traditional tul work with students demonstrating all 10 Kup grade patterns. Promptly followed by the performance of current grade tul varying from Choong Moo to Moon Moo; hopeful participants then went on to execute kicking drills and self-defence combinations.

As the 180°Reverse hook kick self-defence climaxed students were given allowed a short water break while Master Nicholls and his panel discussed technique pointers from the traditional core Tuls, Kicking drills and self defence combinations. Summoned back to the floor by Mr Hollingsworth students were put into pair in order to preform set sparring. Pairings preformed 3, 2 and 1 step in quick succession and with a high output. Moving on from set sparring students were instructed to pad up into their sparring equipment for some matsoki jayoo.

1stKup’s took the floor first moving around well and executing some decisive techniques. Participants moved from partner to partner when instructed too eventually moving into2Vs1 sparring.

Once the colour belts had sparred the Black belts took to the floor. Ferocious none the less the sparring was admired by the colour belts and family member watching on from the back. Like the colour belts the black belts went on to 2Vs1. Sparring came to a close and students were instructed to line up for power.

Colour belts executed yop chogi, dollyo chagi and ap chagi while black belts preformed 2 choice flying techniques followed and air break hand technique. Following the breaking the grading came to a close Master Nicholls praised students for the attempt and students bowed out and went home.

Region 1would like to thank Mr Reece Nicholls for giving up his time and helping out with the grading.

UK ITF Instructors are accredited by the British Taekwondo Council, national governing body for Taekwondo in the UK, which includes DBS/PVG Scheme Enhanced certification, insurance and continued professional development